Sharon Smith has over 15 years’ experience in the research and evaluation of widening participation projects with particular expertise in the provision of evidence of impact through student longitudinal tracking studies. Sharon’s experience extends to managing research and evaluation for Aimhigher Kent and Medway (AHKM), Aimhigher South East and the Kent and Medway Progression Federation (KMPF). In 2011, she led on the establishment of the Higher Education Access Tracker (HEAT) service for South East England universities, and since 2014 has been directing the roll out of the HEAT service to English universities through HEFCE funding.
Sharon has also been involved in setting up the University of Kent Student Success project and evaluating initiatives across the student life cycle. Other research activity includes: Apprentice Progression to HE, FE College student progression to HE and Care Leaver HE Progression.
Sharon collaborates with a number of agencies across government to negotiate the release of administration datasets for research purposes. She has also been a member of a variety of UK social mobility advisory groups and believes that sector collaboration is key to tackling the challenges of robust research and evaluation on evidence of impact.
